Weekly Klerksdorp News: Power Restored, Hospital Crunch, Syndicate Strikes, Major Arrests & Community Updates
- Karen Scheepers
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
21–28 November 2025
Klerksdorp and its surrounding areas experienced a demanding and eventful week marked by service delivery challenges, healthcare disruptions, major policing operations, and several significant community incidents. From long-awaited power restoration in Uraniaville to ongoing strain at Tshepong Hospital’s orthopaedic ward, as well as targeted arrests, court proceedings, and neighbourhood tragedies, the week highlighted both the pressures facing local systems and the resilience of the communities affected.
Uraniaville: Power Restored After 51 Days
Electricity was reconnected to a steel business in Uraniaville after a 51-day outage caused by cable theft (29 September–18 November). The restoration followed sustained escalation to media, civic groups and officials, plus private security support to safeguard the site during the outage.
Tshepong Orthopaedics: Operations Halted Over Unpaid Suppliers
Non-emergency orthopaedic surgeries at the Klerksdorp Tshepong Hospital Complex were halted from late October after suppliers suspended delivery of implants and hardware due to unpaid invoices reported to be near R25 million. Patients reported deferments and discharges without surgery, and detailed queries were sent to the health department regarding clinical risk management, pain control, emergency procurement, and accountability, no formal reply was received at the time of reporting.
Motorcycle Theft Syndicate: Smash-and-Grab in Minutes
A showroom in the CBD suffered two smash-and-grab incidents targeting high-value adventure motorcycles, with combined damages near R1 million. CCTV shows a quick entry/exit using a light utility vehicle. Security upgrades are underway and information leading to arrests is being sought.
Health Department Update: Funding Allocated; Backlog Remains
Provincial health authorities attributed the orthopaedic stoppage to a region-wide patient load and confirmed outstanding invoices of about R18.1 million for implant sets. Funding has reportedly been allocated and invoices are being processed, with “marathon” theatre sessions planned to clear the backlog once stock arrives. Individual patients continue to report postponed surgeries and socioeconomic strain in the interim.
Safer Festive Season: 994 Arrests in One Week
Between 10–16 November, coordinated operations across five districts led to 994 arrests, including 366 wanted suspects and 15 undocumented migrants. Inspections under Liquor and Second-Hand Goods legislation resulted in multiple closures and confiscations. Targeted actions in Ventersdorp seized narcotics valued at approximately R32 000; an inter-provincial N12 roadblock yielded arrests for immigration and drug offences; and a separate murder case in Rustenburg progressed with a suspect remanded.
Kanana Appeal: Help Identify Rape Suspect
Police appealed for assistance to identify a suspect sought in the rape of a 15-year-old in Extension 4 on 19 August. A physical description was provided, and community members were asked to share information via the local FCS Unit, Crime Stop (08600 10111), or the MySAPS app.
Court: UIF Fraud Case Proceeds
Three accused appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court in connection with a fraudulent UIF claim processed in 2019 (value just over R53 000). Alleged downstream transfers to two public officials form part of the case record. Bail was set at R2 000 each; the matter was postponed to 7 January.
North Suburbs: 57-Hour Blackout Traced to Materials Shortfall
A high-voltage feeder failure from Doringkruin to Monica West caused a roughly 57-hour outage (23–25 November) affecting the northern suburbs. Repair delays were linked to unavailable HV joints and a halted cable-replacement project tied to contractor non-payment. Calls were made for internal investigation and supply-chain remediation. No municipal response had been received at deadline.
Songloed: Fatal Home Invasion Under Investigation
A widowed parent was fatally shot during a home invasion in the early hours of 21 November. Family support, counselling and community assistance are in progress. No arrests were confirmed at the time of reporting; the investigation continues.
Orkney SAPS: Station of the Year
Orkney police station received a provincial excellence award for overall performance, with cited reductions in contact and property crimes (approximately 25% and 28% respectively). Klerksdorp and Stilfontein stations received runner-up and third-place recognition.
Final note of the pen
As the week drew to a close, Klerksdorp once again reflected the realities of a community navigating complex pressures while continuing to move forward. Ongoing investigations, service restoration efforts, and progress in certain sectors underscore both the challenges and the determination within the city. With residents, authorities, and support organisations each playing a role, the coming weeks will reveal how these issues develop and what improvements may follow.
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